This tiny jewel of a property, situated close to La Mission-Haut-Brion and Haut-Brion, has turned out one of the stars of the 2011 vintage. A deep dark ruby/purple color is followed by hints of graphite, charcoal, creme de cassis and Christmas fruitcake. This medium-bodied Pessac-Leognan is gorgeously concentrated with impeccably well-integrated acidity, tannin, alcohol and oak. An authoritatively long finish adds to the class and nobility of this wine. Drink it over the next 15 years.

Polished, with nice mouthfeel to the range of cassis, black cherry and raspberry fruit. Sweet spice fills in on the finish. Should stretch out more as well.-J.M.

This shows a lovely quality of tannins with a chocolate, berry and spice character. Nutmeg too. Full and juicy. Well done. One third Cabernet Sauvignon, one third Merlot and one third Cabernet Franc.

[55M/30CF/15CS] Vitality and freshness to smell, aromatic, freshly ripe fruit; nicely balanced middleweight wine with an attractive juicily ripe fruit at its heart framed by the year’s tannic firmness and fresh acidity; long, elegant, not too ‘crisp’ in style; refined, and harmonious and with fine length. Like many, a sort of 2008 with a bit more matter, structure, ripeness. A long term prospect. 2020-32+ [M.Schuster, Bordeaux Mar/Apr 2012]

Deep ruby. Smoky, spice-accented aromas of candied dark cherry and redcurrant, with vanilla and violet nuances emerging with air. Enters velvety and open-knit, with appealing sweetness to its spicy red fruit, cola and floral flavors, but turns more austere on the back end. Finishes long, with repeating floral notes and assertive but noble tannins.

A light, elegant-styled wine with cool mint and flowery notes intermixed with spice box, red currants and sweet and sour cherries, the dark ruby-hued, medium-bodied 2011 Les Carmes Haut-Brion reveals a pleasant, but evolved style. It will require consumption in its first decade of life.

42% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged 12 months in barrel (60% new oak). Ruby-garnet colour. Plenty of freshness on the nose with mint and floral notes. Long and linear if a little fluid. Plenty of tension. Slightly hard and austere on the finish but has persistence. Could surprise in terms of longevity. (JL)

Drink 2016-2024 A little smoky/dusty on the nose but there's also clear cassis. Powdery dry tannins. Drying. Sticks your mouth together. (JH)